Sir. Abunerry

A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Thirty-One Joshua 24:15. “...But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve... But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord. ” One day, I had a brief discussion with my colleague, who is a coach and manager of a local club. I asked him why he wanted to buy a player from my club, given that football in our town doesn't generate much revenue. His response stunned me when he said, “I want to create a legacy by winning many championship titles under my name.” Like my colleague, the coach, everyone craves a legacy. The question is, what kind of legacy should you as a leader strive to leave? When contemplating the greatest legacy a person or leader can leave, we see Joshua challenging his people to choose, saying, “...then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve.” Joshua's dedication to leaving a meaningful legacy was based on serving God. He declared, “But as for ...

Dr. John Garang, Getty Image.  A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Thirty.   Scripture: James 3:13-18   Today, July 30th, South Sudan commemorates Dr. John Garang, its most revered leader, who tragically passed away in a plane crash in 2005. While the specifics of his wise leadership are not for public disclosure, its impact is undeniable. His wisdom and advocacy for protecting the country's resources led some to believe that his crash was intentional. Whatever the actual cause of his death, it is not the focus here; he was a wise leader who united the people in the liberation struggle. His leadership demonstrated the importance of guiding with wisdom, which is fundamental for effective leadership.   As we reflect on Dr. Garang's legacy, let us turn to the Bible for guidance. James underscores the importance of leading with wisdom for leaders. He urges leaders to embrace wisdom from above, which is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason, merciful, product...

A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-Nine Proverbs 11:2—"When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Dear brothers and sisters,  Do you believe that everyone was born humble? Unfortunately, as we grow, we begin to be protective and drive our agenda above others because of the urge for superiority. Consider the story of Satan, who was once humble but developed arrogance after being assigned a prestigious position. His lack of humility led to his downfall. As Proverbs 11:2 reminds us, "When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Humility is one of the key principles for effective leadership. We cannot govern the church of God or an organisation if we do not possess this truth. As leaders, we should strive to possess the humility that puts us right with God, like Christ, who humbled Himself to the point of death to be exalted. Therefore, let us leaders reflect on our leadership styles and ask ourselves: Are we se...

A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-eight "He who walks with integrity walks securely, but he who perverts his ways will become known." Proverbs 10:9 Did you know that integrity helps leaders walk confidently before and with others? Many lack security in their leadership because they lack integrity. Briefly, integrity refers to moral soundness, which shapes behaviours, values, and beliefs. Leaders must demonstrate this moral soundness to lead effectively. The Word of God emphasises integrity not only to believers but also to leaders, who should exemplify it. In Proverbs, Solomon said, “He who walks with integrity walks securely...” (10:9a), highlighting the importance of integrity in leadership. A leader is only safe from blame, corruption, and criticism when he follows the principle of moral soundness by controlling his behaviour, thoughts, and beliefs. If he does the opposite or betrays his walk, he is likely to be condemned (as a hypocrite, corrupt, looter,...

HOME BIBLE STUDY.  A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-Seven Scripture:  Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; he will not stand before unknown men. Proverbs 22:29 I have never seen an innovator lacking favour and support from even the poorest. Innovators are always smart and organised strategically, and they attract attention from the public. This is because people want to learn new things that they do not know. Innovative strategies are essential for effective leadership, as they enable leaders to excel in their plans and development. In our local church, we had difficulties meeting for Bible studies and prayer devotions as agreed. Time was unfavourable; members cited busy schedules as their excuses and ultimately never turned up for weekly devotion and Bible studies. After thorough research and prayerfulness, we organised home-to-home Bible studies (Bible Meeting Movement, BMM) instead of having the program at the church. Within a ...

Devotion Twenty-six.  A Guide to Effective Leadership. Scripture: 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.   Did you know that self-discipline is crucial not only in personal development but also for effective leadership? Many leaders underrate self-discipline yet expect it from their subjects, which is hypocritical. Leaders should develop self-discipline to inspire those they lead and strengthen their leadership.   Like an athlete or a gymnast, Paul used this metaphor to highlight the importance of self-discipline in our pursuits. 9:24-25. Leaders should discipline themselves by being temperate, aiming for the crown, and being obedient to the rules of the game. Running with focus and purpose (as in 9:27), they embody humility and self-control, inspiring others. This self-discipline cultivates a sense of responsibility and achievement, guiding and motivating the church or its members.   When leaders do not embody self-discipline, not only do they stumble, but also their follow...

SHOW ME THE WAY TO YOUR GRAVEYARD A mess in hope, I took an evening walk Along the roads, lost in thought's dark talk Tried to figure life's meaning, but it slipped away Couldn't find my loved wife, from A to Z, day by day I lifted my eyes to the skies Thought it was a ghost, a vision that surprised Saw a young lady, traveled through the highs Still, that couldn't impress my heart's compromise She shone so bright, the brightness of the gods of Lotti I felt a touch, and my heart began to ignite The smiles make one travel in search of the gods Missing her makes one look like Noah's ark in a flood of tears and rage She stood still as I wandered in love's deserts Beneath her grounds, magnetic attractions evaporated Towards my sky of emotions, they kept rising high Above the level of condensation, like a dark cloud, happiness formed A massive cyclone rains wing through the Imatong Mountain My heart took me through my legs, the good news of love's sweet founta...

A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-Five "For to this end, we both labour and suffer reproach because we trust in the living God, who is the Saviour of all men, especially of those who believe." 1 Timothy 4:10   When considering motivation, one might think in terms of finances and, therefore, fall back when they lack the capacity. However, in leadership, leaders can exercise various forms of motivation since it is crucial for effective leadership, and teamwork cannot progress effectively if team members are not motivated. Let's examine what the Word of God says about motivating others as leaders. Paul, in his letter to Timothy, provides two scriptural insights: reminding people to trust God, who is the Saviour of all men, and encouraging members to persevere through daily challenges. This is a leader's responsibility.   Building on this foundation, other essential truths about motivation include inspiring members by being present among them during ...

Why President Kiir Should Not Be Trusted by Anybody  24th July, 2025 In 2018, the Vice Chancellor of Juba University, Prof. Akech, awarded President Kiir with an honorary doctorate of peace—a gesture that portrayed him as a person of peace. Many who knew what peace is, like me, criticised the award. Today, let me share my opinion on Kiir and peace. In his parliamentary opening earlier this month, President Kiir emphasised the need for peace in the country; however, there is no clear thought on what exactly he meant by embracing peace among the people.   One can easily say President Kiir is a hypocrite, living behind a barbaric tyranny. It is even more nuanced to say President Kiir doesn't understand peace, and he is a man of war—so no opposition party or common citizen should believe him.   The 2013 war: Although President Kiir had a good record before the independence of South Sudan, the first mess of his good records stemmed from when he declared war on reformers and ul...

TEAMWORK A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-Four. July 24, 2025 SCRIPTURE: 1 Corinthians 12:12-31   Have you ever heard the saying, “Two heads are better than one”? This phrase highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration. In 2017, I was the coach of a football club, and our team logo displayed the slogan “Together We Win.” With this slogan, I motivated our team to work together, score goals, celebrate collectively, and even organise our lineups as a unit. It contributed to our winning many matches, including several championships. Our success was rooted in our teamwork.   This experience underscored the value of teamwork in achieving success. In leadership, teamwork is vital for effectiveness. The apostle Paul reinforces this principle in his letter to the Corinthians, using the human body as a metaphor to illustrate the importance of diverse members working together in harmony. Just as the body has various parts with unique functions, the church...

A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-three.  "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not to your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths."  Proverbs 3:5-6 Effective leadership requires seeking God's guidance. However, one of the poorest leaders to have failed this principle is Saul. When the people appointed him to lead them, he never sought God's guidance; instead, he trusted himself. Like Saul, thousands of leaders do not seek God's guidance to lead. This has led many to fail, as they become corrupt, tyrannical, or prideful in their victories, constantly neglecting God. Why do they fail in most cases? Let us turn to His Word and hear what God says. Solomon warned against self-trust and reliance on what one understands. He said, "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not lean on your understanding." By acknowledging Him, He will direct our ways.   No leader who depends on God has ...

INCLUSIVITY OF THE TOPOSA PEOPLE IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE 11 KM ROAD 23rd July 2025   As I write this opinion letter, I feel compelled to share my concerns about the Nadapal annexation, a long-standing cross-border issue. On 1 October 2021, a communiqué was issued following a meeting between Gov. Louis Lobong of Eastern Equatoria State (EES) and the Turkana County government of Kenya regarding the upgrade of an 11-kilometre section of road in Nadapal along the A1 river road, which lies 11 kilometres inside South Sudan. However, the agreement was signed solely by Gov. Louis Lobong, although six signatories from Turkana County were present.   Although the intention to develop the road is positive, the agreement did not meet the standard requirements for bilateral understanding. As a result, the Toposa community resisted, leading to the loss of lives and halting of the project. The details of what transpired between then and now remain unclear.   Recently, another communi...

From Mourning to Celebrations Pastor Akera stood before the villagers, his presence commanding attention. The air was thick with anticipation as he led the procession to the deceased's parents’ home, where the burial service would take place. Two men carefully carried Wani, still recovering from his injuries, on a stretcher, his eyes fixed on Akera with a mix of desperation and hope. As they arrived at the burial site, Pastor Akera motioned for order, his voice echoing through the gathering. "There should be no further interruptions as we lay this young soul to rest," he declared. "Satan may have sought to claim him, but we will not let fear or doubt consume us." The police officers stood watchfully, their eyes fixed on Wani, but Akera's gaze met theirs, unwavering. The choir's voices rose in harmony as they sang hymns of praise and glory, their melodies intertwining with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth. The villagers, drawn by the strange ...

A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-two. July 22, 2025 “Have I not commanded thee? Be strong and of good courage; be not afraid, neither be thou dismayed: for the LORD thy God is with thee whithersoever thou goest.” Joshua 1:9. By then, I did not struggle bathing with cold water, but recently, weather changes have forced me to use warm water every morning. I made sure to get some warm water, or I would have missed bathing in the morning before going out for my day's chores. However, this morning, although there was no warm water, my roommates told me to be courageous and not afraid. That was when I thought of how to get some warm water for bathing. Their challenge made me face the coldness of the water, reminding me of how God also challenged the Israelites and Joshua. It is true; we have different fears when it comes to situations, especially those involving leadership. Moses was afraid to confront the Pharaohs, but God stood with him, and he successfully liberat...

A Guide to Effective Leadership Devotion Twenty-one. July 21, 2025 Job 1:20-22   Frankly speaking, do you know that no leader wants to face an adverse situation? However, it is impossible to avoid adversity in leadership. While in leadership, we face times of crisis and conflict-related issues, and the worst that can attack us directly is adversity. A friend or relative could be a source of adversity to your leadership, working hard to ruin you so that you give up on the people you lead or on God.   Given this reality, let us look at Job's remarkable example. The Bible speaks of Job, one of the richest men to have lived in those days, who went through a series of adversities that would have justified denying God. However, after hearing about the tragedies that befell him, Job arose, rent his mantle, shaved his head, and on his knees, he worshipped God (1:20). He also blessed the name of God instead of cursing Him—a crucial lesson.   Building on Job's example, we lea...

Beyond the Coffin   As the villagers and Pastor Akera headed to the riverside, about 15 congregants from Akera’s church joined them. Radiating supernatural energy, the group exuded a sense of splendour. The villagers stepped back, overwhelmed by the choir's powerful presence. The choir’s voices blended in glorious hymns, accompanied by cool breezes that drifted like fog. Akera briefed them on the week's events, and the chief and Kenyi joined in, surrounded by an aura of quiet peace.   Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. With a few villagers, they marched to the riverside, where the villagers first saw the coffin. Upon reaching the bank, the villagers saw the coffin floating on the water, even though they had left it at home waiting for burial, as Pastor Akera had previously commanded. It appeared broken, with a child sitting on it, laughing at them. The villagers struggled to contain their fear while Akera and the choir continued to sing, unaware.   The decisive momen...

Eulogy Poem.   The best smile I have ever seen, suddenly silenced deep The heart that beats for others has fallen too low. An answer we search; in vain we seek. Like yours, why does the best of all smiles bid us below?   A love so bright, a legacy none can contain Shining with all its might, a beacon on the mountain Although taken away by loss and pain A guiding light each day, your smile will never wane.   Your love will never cease, although your smile has faded. May the work of your life inspire us to serve, unafraid As your memory remains a blessing to know forever. Rest now, dear Pastor Saidi; your legacy will forever glow.   To the saints yet to be ordained A life of honour, Saidi maintained. Through smiles and love, he restrained May it be a portion of belonging to sustain.   Your spirit now resides in the heavenly realm. Where love and joy abide in fullness Your legacy on earth will forever unfold. A testam...